Choose the right sunscreen

While dermatologists advise using a sunscreen during the summers, it's easy to get confused with the wide range of sun protection factors (SPF) available in the market. To ensure that you pick the one that provides maximum sun protection, it's best to choose according to your skin type.

Get skin wise Just like you'd pick a moisturiser, toner and cleanser according to your skin type, similarly, it is also crucial to select an SPF based on your skin texture and quality. Says cosmetic dermatologist Dr Raj Parikh, "The facial skin is comparatively thinner than the rest of the body. The one that suits the skin will keep it protected from the harmful UV rays of the sun and won't lead to breakouts, which normally happens when you apply an SPF that does not suit a skin type."

Oily skin: Your skin tends to become oilier during summers, thus select a sunblock that is gel or water based. These sunscreen formulations work the best for your skin since it provides a cooling effect on your skin and also calms any breakouts that may have occurred.

Normal skin: A lotion based SPF is best suited for your skin. Since your skin is not too oily nor too dry, the lotion based sunscreen will provide the right amount of hydration that your skin requires without making your skin look too oily.

Dry skin: Those with dry skin have a low level of sebum, which make it really sensitive. But summers are comparatively better for your skin, so use a moisturising or a thick SPF. While choosing a SPF for your skin, remember to pick one with a little thickness so that it moisturises your skin.

Read the contents Just like you check the ingredients behind a food pack, always look for the content behind the bottle, when selecting a SPF. Those with zinc and titanium dioxide are known to be long-lasting sunscreens.

Available in all forms Apart from gel, water and matte based sunscreens, sunscreens are available in the market in the form of wipes, powders and hypo-allergenic sunblocks. Many cosmetics like foundations, compact powders, bronzers and lip balms also contain SPF.

When to apply and how Apply a sunscreen 15-20 minutes before stepping out in the sun. This allows the sunscreen to soak into your body, thereby protecting you from the UV rays of the sun. Further, it is always best to reapply the sunscreen on the exposed body parts every two hours.

Higher SPF, not always better While there are many theories that are doing the rounds regarding sunscreens, the one that is most common is the belief that the higher the SPF, the better it is for your skin. "If you choose an SPF with a higher denomination, it will make your skin extremely oily and can also cause burning or itching. Thus an SPF of 15 to 30++ is considered the best for the Indian summers", says dermatologist Dr. Geetanjali Shetty.

However, if you are in a profession that requires you to stay out in the sun for longer durations, then you may choose an SPF that has a higher denomination (50++ and above).